Air Fryer Apple Pie Bombs Recipe

Air fryer apple pie bombs are a fun, quick twist on the classic apple pie. These bite-sized treats are filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and encased in flaky, buttery dough, then air-fried to golden perfection. What makes this dish special is the crispy, warm exterior and the gooey, flavorful apple filling that makes every bite feel like a little piece of heaven. In this article, you’ll learn how to make these delicious apple pie bombs, how to customize them to your taste, and tips for achieving the perfect texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple pie is a beloved dessert, but when you transform it into an air fryer version, you get the same comforting flavors with a crispy, less greasy texture. These air fryer apple pie bombs are incredibly easy to make, using pre-made dough and a simple apple filling. The air fryer cuts down on the cooking time, providing a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or looking for a fun dessert, these apple pie bombs are sure to impress.

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can easily customize the apple filling with your favorite ingredients, such as nuts, raisins, or even caramel, to add extra layers of flavor. You can also use a variety of dough options, from crescent roll dough to biscuit dough, depending on the texture and flavor you prefer. These air fryer apple pie bombs are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them with a cup of coffee, or simply treating yourself after a long day.

Recipe Details

Making air fryer apple pie bombs is easy and straightforward. The first step is preparing the apple filling, which is made by cooking diced apples with cinnamon, sugar, and butter until soft and caramelized. The filling is then spooned into small dough rounds and sealed into little pockets. These pockets are placed in the air fryer, where they cook quickly and evenly, creating a crisp, golden exterior while keeping the inside gooey and delicious.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Using pre-made dough saves time and ensures that the texture of the bombs is perfect every time. The apple filling provides a sweet, spiced contrast to the buttery dough, and the air fryer does all the work, creating a crispy, golden finish without the mess of traditional frying. These apple pie bombs are a great way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie in a fun, handheld form.

To customize the filling, feel free to add extra ingredients such as chopped walnuts, caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of nutmeg. For those who enjoy a savory twist, you could even experiment by adding a pinch of salt or cheese to the filling. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor these apple pie bombs to suit your preferences.

Nutritional Information

Air fryer apple pie bombs are a sweet indulgence, but they are a lighter option compared to traditional fried apple pies. A typical serving (one bomb) contains about 180-200 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. The calories come mainly from the dough, sugar, and butter in the filling. While they’re not a health food, they do offer a more balanced option than deep-fried desserts, with less fat and fewer calories thanks to the air fryer method.

The apple filling adds some fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from the fruit, and the cinnamon adds a comforting warmth that pairs well with the sweetness of the apples. If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, you can swap the dough for a lower-calorie option, such as a reduced-fat biscuit dough or a lighter puff pastry. You can also reduce the sugar content by using a sugar substitute or cutting back on the amount used in the filling.

Though these treats are indulgent, they can be made lighter by using less butter, opting for a sugar substitute, or making smaller portions. Despite being a treat, these apple pie bombs are a fun and relatively guilt-free way to enjoy a sweet snack.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken the filling)

For the Dough:

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)
• 1 tablespoon butter (melted, for brushing)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 tablespoon caramel sauce (for drizzling)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (to add extra flavor)

These ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering apple pie bomb. The apples are cooked with butter, sugar, and cinnamon until tender and caramelized, creating a rich and flavorful filling. The dough is easy to work with and creates a light, flaky crust once it’s cooked in the air fryer. You can also add nuts for texture or caramel sauce for extra sweetness, but these are optional.

Equipment Needed

To make air fryer apple pie bombs, you will need:

• An air fryer (for cooking the bombs)
• A medium saucepan (for cooking the apple filling)
• A baking brush (for brushing the dough with melted butter)
• A knife (for peeling, coring, and dicing the apples)
• A spoon (for spooning the filling into the dough)

The air fryer is essential for cooking the bombs to perfection, giving them that crisp, golden exterior. A saucepan is needed to cook the apple filling, while the baking brush helps coat the dough with butter for a beautiful finish. The knife makes it easy to prep the apples, and the spoon is used for portioning the filling into the dough.

Pro Tips For Success

1. Choose the Right Apples: For the best filling, use apples that hold up well when cooked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. These varieties are sweet and tart, providing the perfect contrast to the buttery dough.
2. Don’t Overfill: When spooning the apple filling into the dough, be sure not to overfill it. Overstuffed apple pie bombs may burst open during cooking, resulting in a mess. Stick to about one tablespoon of filling for each bomb.
3. Seal the Dough Well: After placing the filling in the dough, pinch the edges together tightly to ensure they stay sealed during cooking. This will help prevent the filling from leaking out and make the bombs easier to handle.
4. Use Parchment Paper: If you’re worried about sticking or want to make cleanup easier, line the air fryer basket with parchment paper. Be sure to leave enough space around the bombs for the air to circulate, which will help them cook evenly.
5. Brush with Butter: For a golden, flaky crust, brush the dough with melted butter before air frying. This adds a nice richness and helps the dough crisp up beautifully.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice (if using), and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened. If you prefer a thicker filling, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the filling. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
3. Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual triangles. Place a spoonful of the cooled apple filling in the center of each dough triangle.
4. Form the Bombs: Gently fold the dough around the apple filling to form a ball or a pocket, pinching the edges tightly to seal the filling inside. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
5. Air Fry the Apple Pie Bombs: Place the apple pie bombs in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Lightly brush the tops with melted butter for a golden, crispy finish. Air fry the bombs for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Optional Toppings: After the bombs have cooled slightly, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the apple pie bombs warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot coffee for the perfect treat.

Recipe Variations

1. Caramel Apple Pie Bombs: Add a tablespoon of caramel sauce to the apple filling before sealing the dough to create a rich caramel apple flavor.
2. Mini Apple Pie Bombs: Use small rounds of dough instead of crescent triangles for mini apple pie bombs. These bite-sized versions are perfect for parties or snacking.
3. Pumpkin Spice Apple Pie Bombs: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the filling for a fall-inspired twist. The warm spices pair wonderfully with the apples and cinnamon.
4. Cranberry Apple Pie Bombs: Add a handful of dried cranberries to the apple filling for a tart and tangy contrast to the sweet apples.

Storage Instructions

Air fryer apple pie bombs are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture. You can also freeze the bombs before cooking. To freeze, place the prepared bombs on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, simply air fry for 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Serving Suggestions

Apple pie bombs are a delicious treat on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a lighter option, pair them with a fresh fruit salad or a cup of herbal tea. They’re also great with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?
   Yes, fresh apples work great for the filling. Just sauté them with sugar, cinnamon, and a little butter until softened.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the apple pie bombs ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Alternatively, you can freeze them and bake them later.
3. Can I make them without cinnamon?
   Yes, you can leave out the cinnamon if you prefer a different flavor. Try nutmeg or allspice for a different spice profile.
4. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
   You can bake these apple pie bombs in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Can I use a different filling?
   Yes, you can experiment with other fruit fillings, such as pears, peaches, or berries. You can also add a few nuts or raisins for extra texture.

Conclusion

Air fryer apple pie bombs are a deliciously fun and easy way to enjoy the flavors of apple pie in a new, bite-sized form. With a crispy, golden exterior and a warm, gooey apple filling, these bombs are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family dessert, or simply as a treat for yourself, these air fryer apple pie bombs are sure to be a hit with everyone. Enjoy them fresh from the air fryer or store them for later—either way, they’re a delightful snack!

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